Burn Classification Study Notes

Epidermis

The outermost layer of the skin.

Dermis

The middle layer of the skin, beneath the epidermis.

Subcutaneous tissue

The deepest layer of the skin beneath the dermis.

Superficial burn (1st-degree)

A burn that affects only the upper epidermis, characterized by red, dry, peeling skin without blisters.

Superficial partial-thickness burn (2nd-degree)

A burn affecting the epidermis and approximately one-third of the dermis, with red, wet, and blistered skin.

Deep partial-thickness burn (2nd-degree)

A burn affecting the epidermis and approximately two-thirds of the dermis, resulting in red with white patches and significant pain.

Full-thickness burn (3rd-degree)

A burn that destroys both the epidermis and dermis, resulting in pale, leathery skin with absent sensation.

Subdermal burn (4th-degree)

A burn involving subcutaneous tissue, muscle, tendon, or bone, often charred and requiring major surgical intervention.

Chemical burns

Burns caused by continuous tissue destruction due to chemical exposure until neutralized and irrigated.

Clinical Decision Hierarchy

A framework for assessing burns based on depth, appearance, pain/sensation, healing duration, and scarring risk.

Scarring risk progression

The potential for scarring increases from low in superficial burns to very high in subdermal burns.

Pain progression in burns

Pain intensity increases from mild in superficial burns to absent at the wound site in full-thickness and subdermal burns.

NBCOT Clue for Full-thickness burn

Pale/white + doesn't blanch + no sensation.

NBCOT Clue for Subdermal burn

Electrical injury + entry/exit + charred + muscle/bone.

Burn healing duration

Healing time varies from 3–7 days for superficial burns to several months for full-thickness and subdermal burns.